Beadle's Dime Novels No. 316: Hurricane Bill

About this issue

This dime novel by Jos. E. Badger, Jr., published by Beadle and Adams (No. 316, 1874), follows the exploits of two frontier scouts—Hurricane Bill of the Cherokee Nation and Mustang Sam (the "Mad Rider")—as they arrive at a Mexican fiesta featuring horsemanship competitions. Hurricane Bill is a tall, fair-haired borderer of exceptional strength; Mustang Sam, a shorter but equally skilled "frontier dandy" in elaborate dress. After introducing themselves to Don Munez's assembled guests, the pair participate in bull-tailing contests ("Cola de Toros") and related equestrian games. While Luis Munez is thrown and injured during the sport, both scouts demonstrate superior riding ability and physical prowess, with Mustang Sam securing a ribbon favor from the señorita Isidora before the narrative breaks off mid-action. The story emphasizes frontier hardship, Mexican-American conflict aftermath, and displays of masculine skill through horsemanship.